A UK-wide avian flu prevention zone has been declared in an effort against the disease, leading veterinarians said.
All poultry farmers are now legally required to adhere to strict biosecurity measures to help their herds.
Owners of more than 500 birds within the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) limit access to non-essential people.
Workers will need to replace clothing and shoes before entering pens, and cars will need to be sanitized regularly.
Avian influenza circulates naturally among wild birds and affects poultry and other captive birds when they migrate to the UK from continental Europe in winter.
UK fitness agencies say the public fitness of the virus is very low.
The advent of AIPZ comes after the disease detected in captive birds in England, Wales and Scotland, as well as in wild birds in various locations in the UK.
In a joint statement, the veterinary chiefs of England, Scotland and Wales said: “Whether you are left with a few birds or thousands, you are now legally obliged to introduce stricter biosecurity criteria on your farm or small farm.
“It is in their best interest to do so to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease.
“UK fitness agencies have shown that fitness for the public is very low and UK food criteria agencies imply that avian influenza represents very low food protection for UK consumers. “
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